Limiting total mixed ration availability alters eating and rumination patterns of lactating dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of restricting total mixed ration (TMR) eating time with or without supplemental long hay offered on diurnal total intake, rumination, and rumen pH patterns in mid-lactation dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design study with 21-d periods. The basal diet was the same for all 4 treatments with or without additional long grass hay (the same hay used in the TMR). For cows on limited-time TMR, diets were taken away at 1500 h (5 h before evening milking and feeding), and dry matter intake (DMI), ruminating, and rumen pH were monitored and summarized every 10 m for 7 d in each period. With restricted feeding, cows changed DMI patterns by consuming a large meal after feed was reinstated, resulting in lower DMI. Ruminating patterns closely mirrored intake patterns, as could be expected. Rumen pH was not different between groups but resulted in different diurnal patterns due to differences in eating and rumination patterns between the groups. Limiting feed availability can be used to change eating and rumination patterns, resulting in different rumen pH patterns.

2006 GEP-ISFG collaborative exercise on mtDNA: reflections about interpretation, artefacts, and DNA mixtures

We report the results of the seventh edition of the GEP-ISFG mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) collaborative exercise. The samples submitted to the participant laboratories were blood stains from a maternity case and simulated forensic samples, including a case of mixture. The success rate for the blood stains was moderate ( approximately 77%); even though four inexperienced laboratories concentrated about one-third of the total errors. A similar success was obtained for the analysis of mixed samples (78.8% for a hair-saliva mixture and 69.2% for a saliva-saliva mixture). Two laboratories also dissected the haplotypes contributing to the saliva-saliva mixture. Most of the errors were due to reading problems and misinterpretation of electropherograms, demonstrating once more that the lack of a solid devised experimental approach is the main cause of error in mtDNA testing.

Identification of missing persons: the Spanish "Phoenix" program

In 1999, Spain was the first country to officially start a National Program to try to identify cadavers and human remains which could not be identified by the use of traditional forensic approaches. This attempt is called "Phoenix Program". Two independent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) databases were generated, which can automatically compare and match identical or similar sequences. One is the Reference Database, with mtDNA sequences from maternal relatives of missing persons, who provide the samples (buccal swabs) voluntarily; the other is the Questioned Database, comprised of mtDNA data of unknown remains and cadavers. Although the first phase of the program (typing of all unidentified human remains) will probably not be completed until December 2003, positive identifications are being made in the interim. To date, more than 1,200 families have contacted Phoenix, and at least 280 reference samples and 48 questioned evidences have been analyzed. When mtDNA matches are found, another independent analysis is performed as a part of the quality control mechanism. Once a match is confirmed (so far in 6 cases), an attempt is made to analyze short tandem repeat (STR) loci. We call for international collaboration to make this effort valuable worldwide.

Fractal Characterization of Wide Pore Range Catalysts: Application to Pd-Ag/SiO(2) Xerogels

Fractal analysis has been applied to characterize the structure of Pd-Ag/SiO(2) catalysts dried under vacuum (150 degrees C and 12 hPa) with different concentrations of Pd-Ag. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption, mercury porosimetry, and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements have been used. The different approaches to fractal analysis and their conditions of applicability are briefly described. Results are discussed in relation to those derived previously from classical interpretations. This analysis shows that Pd-Ag/SiO(2) xerogels exhibit a very open self-similar pore structure analogous to the structure of supercritically dried aerogels and that the micropore texture can be tailored by varying the silver content. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.

High-dose granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in vitro induces the growth of high proliferative potential colony forming cells (HPP-CFC) in patients undergoing blood stem cell mobilization

We evaluated the role of high-dose granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in vitro, in inducing the generation of high-proliferative potential colony forming cells (HPP-CFC), from either mononuclear cells or purified CD34+ cells. Both normal controls and patients undergoing peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization and transplantation were studied. In serum-driven agar cultures, G-CSF stimulated the proliferation of HPP-CFC in a dose dependent manner (r = 0.92). The number of HPP-CFC was four-fold greater in mobilized patients than in normal controls. Purified CD34+ cells yielded 11-fold more colonies than mononuclear cells. HPP-CFC from mobilized patients showed replating capacity, giving rise to secondary colonies of more mature appearance. In serum-free cultures, the effect of G-CSF appeared to be mediated by synergistic interaction with stem cell factor. Our results suggest that G-CSF stimulates primitive hematopoietic cells that are detectable in increased amounts in patients receiving mobilization therapy. Therefore, determination of G-CSF induced HPP-CFC could be a useful tool in the evaluation of mobilization strategies.

Juvenile chronic lymphocytic leukemia with unusual intracisternal inclusions: an ultrastructural study

The electron microscopic analysis of intracisternal inclusions in lymphocytes of the bone marrow and peripheral blood in a case of juvenile chronic lymphocytic leukemia is described. These inclusions consist of well-ordered microtubules attached to a central axis. The contribution of electron microscopic analysis in establishing the substructural pattern of these inclusions is discussed.

[Chediak-Higashi-like inclusions in acute myeloblastic leukemia. Ultrastructural study]

The pseudo-Chédiak-Higashi anomaly is characterized by the presence of giant granules in the cytoplasm of blast cells in acute leukemia. We report here a new case of acute myelogenous leukemia (M2 type) with this alteration. The granules were azurophilic or eosinophilic and reacted strongly to peroxidase stain. Ultrastructural studies showed that the granules contained a dense matrix and occasionally "finger print" structures at the periphery; in some inclusions, fibrillar structures of myelinic figures could be seen. The matrix was reactive to peroxidase and small vesicles were prominent in the cytoplasm near the granules. We conclude that the giant granules could have been formed by the fusion of primary granules and/or by the fusion of these small dense vesicles.

[Pure red-cell aplasia associated with chronic myeloproliferative syndromes]

Pure red cell aplasia is manifested by unregenerative anemia with intense erythroid hypoplasia in the bone marrow and absolute reticulocytopenia. Its association with chronic myeloproliferative syndrome (CMS) is infrequent. The appearance of both processes may or may not be simultaneous and accidental association cannot be ruled out. Two cases of pure red cell aplasia were studied; one associated to Philadelphia positive chronic chromosome myeloid leukemia and the other associated to atypical CMS. In the first case no response was obtained with prednisone alone or associated to cyclophosphamide. In the second patient treatment with danazol was not efficient, however, corticotherapy produced a positive and maintained response. Treatment of pure red cell aplasia associated to CMS must be the same as that employed when this disease is presented as isolated or associated to other processes.

The fine structural localization of endogenous and exogenous peroxidase activity in human bone marrow mast cells under pathological conditions

We have examined the ultrastructural characteristics of peroxidase activity in human bone marrow mast cells. These studies were performed in three patients with systemic mast cell disease, and in another six patients showing bone marrow mast cell hyperplasia. Endogenous peroxidase activity was localized in the perinuclear cisternae and strands of endoplasmic reticulum, but never in the granules. We have also demonstrated the "in vivo" existence of exogenous peroxidase activity in two of the three cases of systemic mast cell disease. The peroxidase internalization involved its binding to the plasma membrane, followed by its incorporation into the cell by a general endocytic process comprising the uptake of dispersed peroxidase-positive material mainly by phagocytosis of granular structures containing peroxidase. The exogenous peroxidase appeared in non-membrane bound granules, vacuoles or aggregates, but we have never seen the enzyme linked to the mast cell granules.

Unilateral adrenal hemorrhage in forty-five-year-old woman

We herein describe a case of adrenal hemorrhage on the right side in a forty-five-year-old woman. Her medical history did not show any evidence of an acute bleeding. The hematoma was removed and adrenalectomy performed. A veinectasis and a localized vasculitis are discussed as causes of bleeding.

[Complication of ureterorenoscopy]

We describe failures and complications of ureterorenoscopy based on our own experience and the literature. There is usually no consequence when perforating the ureter--which happens in 10 per cent of the cases--if a splint or a percutaneous nephrostomy is applied. Ureteral rupture makes an open intervention necessary, but happens rarely. Since complications of ureterorenoscopy are rare and the rate of success very high, open operations on the ureter should become less frequent.

[Complications of percutaneous kidney surgery--prevention and control]

Possibilities and types of complications, how to avoid and deal with them, are outlined in our material of 43 exactly defined cases. Extravasation and perforation of the renal calyces, the leaving behind of small concrements, perforation of neighbouring organs, hemorrhage, infection and late complications are discussed. Other published series, are analyzed (about 4000 patients up to now). However, often no information about incidence and type of complications is given. One must assume that several complications are not mentioned depending upon the way each author judges the complications. In general mild complications like extravasation of irrigation water and/or contrast medium and even hemorrhage diminish with practise. Inspite of our small material of about 50 percutaneous operations on the renal calyces a critical view of the larger series in the literature concerning complications is necessary. The most important points are avoiding and dealing with the discussed complications. Since percutaneous surgery on the kidney does not utilize a natural channel like the other endoscopic procedures, but creates its own channel, one should call this method a "half-open" operation.